Throughout many of the northern states, August is a big month because it’s the start of apple season! Orchards begin to harvest their early season crop, and many varieties of apples are starting to ripen and will continue to do so throughout the fall. As these apples ripen, many orchards invite guests to their grounds to pick fruit and enjoy a day outdoors. Here are three orchards that are well worth the trip! Stribling Orchard, Markham, Virginia Situated near the Shenandoah River in the hills of Virginia, this orchard has a rich history that goes back to the founding of the United States. As you pick apples, you can enjoy learning about the orchard’s past. Guests are also invited to bring a picnic as they harvest their bounty. Learn more at StriblingOrchard.com . Apple Season Begins! GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR APPLE HARVEST
Summer Vegetable Greek Salad
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
Ingredients For the vinaigrette: • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped • 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled • Optional protein choices: 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 6 oz Genoa salami
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp honey • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil For the salad: • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, and salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until well combined. 2. In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta (as well as the chickpeas or salami, if desired). 3. If you plan to serve all the salad at once, drizzle the dressing over the salad to lightly coat, then toss to combine. Otherwise, store the vinaigrette and salad separately, then dress each portion before serving.
Take a Break
Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Parkdale, Oregon Tucked away in the Hood Valley just north of Mount Hood in Oregon, Kiyokawa boasts the largest U-Pick orchard in the valley and offers exceptional scenery for apple (and pear) pickers! There are many apples to choose from, but there are also fruit stands that sell cider, honey, and jam. Find out more at KiyokawaFamilyOrchards.com . Brighton Woods Orchard, Burlington, Wisconsin This orchard features several varieties of apples, so it’s open well throughout the season. Their website even breaks down their apple varieties and lets visitors know the best times to stop by in order to pick the apples they want most! Check out all the selections at BrightonWoodsOrchard.com . A Little Closer to Home If you can’t make it to one of these three locations, why not see if there’s a local orchard that lets you pick your own apples or buy a fresh bundle? Before you go on your apple-picking adventure, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind.
• It’s great for the whole family!
• Pick the apples, but don’t shake the branch.
• Set the apples gently in your carrier of choice so you don’t bruise the fruit!
• Apples on the outer branches ripen first.
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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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